Argentine actress Bruzzo dies at 51

Her last performance was in 'El Deseo'

Argentine actress Alicia Bruzzo, known for 1981 hit TV series “El Rafa,” died Feb. 13 of lung cancer in Buenos Aires. She was 51.

A native of the capital, Bruzzo got into acting in the 1970s after studying painting in Paris, an art she continued to practice throughout her life, with several exhibitions.

Her stage debut came with “The Witches of Salem,” followed by pieces in “Yo amo a Shirley Valentine,” “Los monologos de la vagina” and a break into film.

Known as fiery and passionate, she became a favorite of directors of the 1970-80s, landing roles in Alejandro Doria’s “La isla” (The Island), Hector Olivera’s “La venganza del Beto Sanchez,” Juan Jose Jusid’s “Esperame mucho” and Sergio Renan’s “Sentimental.”

On the small screen, she acted in “La pobre Clara” and hit teen telenovela “Verano del 98″ (Endless Summer), from which emerged current stars like Celeste Cid, Marcela Kloosterboer and Dolores and Tomas Fonzi.

Her last performance was in “El Deseo” (The Desire), a 2004 telenovela starring Natalia Oreiro.

She is survived by her husband, legit director Raul Serrano, and daughter Manuela Serrano Bruzzo, an actress.